Problem-based learning (PBL) involves students solving a problem with multiple solutions over time, like scientists in real-world contexts. This fourth-grade PBL unit had students become part of an endeavor to help their state of Virginia become energy independent. It conceptualized energy independence as becoming self-sufficient for energy…

This article describes an 8-10 week problem-based learning unit for fifth graders that introduced them to the facts underlying global climate change. This unit was inspired by the lack of awareness in our national population around this clear threat to our global ecosystem and takes on this goal: to provide students (our future advocates and…

In this article, a science teacher from the Midwest reflects on her summer vacation to the Gulf of Mexico. She felt that this vacation would help improve her teaching about the environmental problems in the gulf and elsewhere. After all, anyone can show photos of oil-laden birds and dead sea turtles and read news clips of a distant place, but to…

This lesson combines the science concepts of renewable energy and producing electricity with the technology concepts of design, constraints, and technology's impact on the environment. Over five class periods, sixth-grade students "work" for a fictitious power company as they research wind as an alternative energy source and design and test a…

Presents a discussion and examples of the two categories into which solar homes have been classified. Classifications are based upon the method by which the sunlight is put to use: energy conversion, utilizing photoelectric cells; and direct heating, where sunlight heats water which then heats the home. Diagrams are presented. (Author/EB)

Modern man pays a price, pollution, with the dependency shift from humans as converters of energy for work to machines as converters of energy. Emphasis is placed on electromechanical appliances and their respective power ratings. (EB)

Activities are suggested and presented in some detail so that science process skills can be applied to the study of energy conservation. Presented are some observing activities and measuring activities. A table presenting energy used by home appliances is included. (EB)

Presents a brief description of the solar heating system that is incorporated into the design of a private girls school in Greenway, Virginia. (MDR)

Provides background information on energy consumption in order to promote scientific literacy about topics related to energy development and consumption. (DDR)

Describes a two-day conference with an assembly of eighty four- and five-year-old children as delegates. Through this conference, students learned what energy is, how it works and devised methods of energy conservation. (EB)

Describes the energy education program given for elementary school groups at the Museum of Science in Boston. Several energy machines or demonstrations are described and their use in this energy education program is outlined. Also some other suggestions to illustrate the use, storage, and transformation of energy are presented. (MDR)

Reported are preservice elementary teachers' (N=204) responses to 19 items considered as significant predictors of their energy conservation attitudes. Among the results are findings that 75 percent of the sample believes America's strength as a world leader depends on its ability to use energy wisely and a willingness to conserve energy. (JN)

Assesses the current energy problems and considers possible solutions. (MDR)

Suggested are a variety of ways in which the newspaper can be utilized to teach energy related concepts in the science classroom. Suggestions include using various parts of a newspaper to create energy-related activities. (DS)

Energy education is defined and three approaches, citizen, career, consumer, are suggested and explained. A rationale for energy education in the schools is given and the federal role in energy education is explained. The curriculum development efforts of the department of energy are mentioned and a list of energy curriculum materials is included.…